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Another heat dome is expected to bake the central U.S.; we may be spared

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A third major heat dome in less than a month is expected to bring dangerous temperatures to much of the nation’s southern and central states this week, although forecasters say the Northeast, including South Central Pennsylvania, should largely avoid the most extreme heat.

The sprawling high-pressure system is forecast to stretch from the Gulf Coast through the Great Plains and into parts of the Midwest, trapping hot air over the region for several days. About 70 million people are under excessive heat alerts or are expected to experience hazardous conditions as daytime highs climb into the upper 90s and low 100s, with some desert locations in the Southwest approaching 120 degrees.

The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat warnings for parts of the central United States, including western Nebraska, where temperatures could reach 108 degrees. Record highs are also possible in parts of Colorado and surrounding states.

While the intense heat will dominate much of the nation’s midsection, South Central Pennsylvania is expected to fare considerably better. Forecasts call for warm and humid conditions, but temperatures are generally expected to remain in the 80s to around 90 degrees through much of the week, with periodic chances for showers and thunderstorms helping to limit prolonged extreme heat.

The latest heat dome follows an already sweltering summer that has seen multiple rounds of dangerous heat across the country. Earlier this month, extreme temperatures disrupted Independence Day celebrations in parts of the East, while another heat wave brought record-breaking temperatures to portions of the Northern Plains and Montana.

Heat remains the nation’s deadliest weather hazard, claiming more lives each year than hurricanes, floods or tornadoes. Health officials urge residents in affected areas to stay hydrated, limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, check on older neighbors and relatives, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

Climate scientists say heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense as global temperatures rise. Higher humidity and warmer overnight temperatures can make heat events especially dangerous because they reduce the body’s ability to recover from daytime heat.

Source: The Guardian

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